Chapter 9 Summary

All of Clanton's coffee shops are abuzz with talk of the murders Tuesday morning, and rumors are rampant. Jake has appeared on the front page of the Tupelo paper. Finding the atmosphere rather cool at the Coffee Shop, he eats and leaves. At 9:00 Judge Bullard calls to discuss the preliminary hearing, hoping Jake will waive it. Jake never waives a preliminary, though, and they set the hearing for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. Soon reporters arrive from Memphis and Jackson, and Jake meets with them in the conference room, delighted. Jake, knowing the grand jurors have not been selected yet and will probably see this on television tonight, states that they might not indict. He answers numerous questions about the trial and then is given an opportunity to "tell a little about Carl Lee Hailey." He gives a glowing report. Jake also has a...